Mental Health Teaching Assistant

Academics; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Temp-to-perm opportunity

Training and development

Supportive staff team

Job summary

Academics is recruiting a Mental Health Teaching Assistant in Dunstable to support pupils aged 5-16 with SEMH needs. You will work alongside teachers, therapists and behaviour specialists to help learners overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.

Ideal candidates will have experience with mental health support, trauma and challenging behaviour, along with a compassionate, resilient approach and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Compassionate and patient with vulnerable learners.
• Experience supporting children with mental health needs or trauma.
• Strong resilience and commitment to improving outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups.
• Help students regulate emotions and develop coping strategies.
• Promote engagement with learning through structured support.
• Collaborate with school staff to deliver personalised plans.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Behaviour management

Education

Psychology degree

Criminology degree

Social Work degree

Job description

Mental Health Teaching Assistant - Dunstable

Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to the lives of young people?

Do you have experience supporting children or young people with mental health needs, trauma, anxiety or challenging behaviour? If you're patient, resilient and passionate about helping vulnerable learners succeed, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Academics is working in partnership with a leading specialist SEMH provision in Dunstable to recruit a Mental Health Teaching Assistant for a September start. This is a long-term opportunity with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.

The Role

As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils aged 5-16 with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs. Working alongside experienced teachers, therapists and behaviour specialists, you will help students overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Helping students regulate their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.
• Promoting engagement with learning through structured, consistent support.
• Building trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
• Encouraging positive behaviour using restorative and therapeutic approaches.
• Working collaboratively with the wider school team to deliver personalised support plans.

About You

The school is looking for someone who is compassionate, resilient and committed to improving the lives of young people.

You may have experience in:

• SEMH or SEN settings
• Youth work
• Residential care
• Alternative provision or PRUs
• Behaviour mentoring
• Children's support work
• Mental health services

Applications are also welcomed from graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Social Work, Counselling or related subjects who are looking to build experience within education.

What the School Offers

Temp-to-perm opportunity with a September start.

Salary between £475-£500 per week, depending on experience.

Ongoing training and professional development.

A therapeutic, relationship-focused approach to behaviour.

Clear progression opportunities into SEN, behaviour, pastoral or therapy-based roles.

A welcoming and highly supportive staff team committed to achieving the very best outcomes for every pupil.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy